Get Dressed

A new school year is upon us, replacing the long days of summer. Store shelves with school supplies have been emptied as parent purchase the required supply list, clothes, and shoes to prepare their kids for the new school year. I don't know who gets more excited, the kids anticipating their first day or parents enjoying earlier bedtimes, better routines, and possibly a cleaner house. Maybe that was just me!

As a child, I always looked forward to getting at least one new outfit for school, and I kept that tradition for our family. Shopping for the perfect first day of school outfit is a sweet memory. After a lazy summer of sleeping in and barely getting dressed for the day, the new outfit gave me, and then years later, our boys, the needed push to get back into a routine. So now I am watching this tradition with our grandkids.  

Our youngest granddaughter began kindergarten this year, and I talked with her about her first day of school outfit. She chose a new maxi dress I bought her to wear on this special day. After getting dressed, she was beaming with anticipation though nervous, not knowing what she would experience on her first day of kindergarten. Joining her older sister and brother, she proudly posed for the customary first day of school photo, and then off she went to school. Thankfully, she had a good day. On the second day, she thought she should wear the same outfit to repeat the first day's experience, but the maxi dress needed to be washed, plus, she had plenty of other clothes to choose from. Wisely, her parents dressed her in a clean outfit. Now she knows to get up and put on clean clothes for each school day. A new day equals a clean outfit.

What is your routine? Typically, I work from home three to five days a week. On my home days, it would be easy to sleep in and work in my pajamas or sweatpants, but that is not how I choose to live. Instead, every day I get up and get dressed for work as if I were traveling to the office. Doing my hair and makeup is part of my routine. Why? Mentally, this prepares me for the day and sets my path. If I don't do this, I feel sluggish.

What about dressing spiritually for a new day? Is that even needed? Yes – Yes - YES!

Honestly, I do not naturally wake up happy and joyful. I tend to wake up a little melancholy. I see the pumpkin spice coffee cup half-empty, not half-full! People assume I am always smiling in a great mood, which is not true. Trust me; I need to get dressed spiritually to face a new day! Maybe you do too.

Every day, no matter how we feel, we can choose to get dressed spiritually in clean clothes.

Both yesterday's victories OR challenges can affect you if you are not careful. For example, if it was a great day, you might believe you can wear the same clothes again and become prideful, which inevitably leads to failure. On the other hand, if you experience a bad day, you may feel defeated and not even want to get dressed to face another day and miss out on a victory. Either way, you are losing.

We need to experience God's compassion daily, in the good and the bad moments, and understand that His love is not based on our performance but on His faithfulness.

I love this scripture in Lamentations, written by the Prophet Jeremiah. Life was challenging as the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, yet there was hope because of God's compassion.

“Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV

There is always hope for tomorrow. So, get up and get dressed! As you get dressed physically, think about what you want to wear spiritually.

The Apostle Paul gives some good advice in Colossians 3:12-15:

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Today is a good day to have a good day! Here is my prayer based on a paraphrase of these verses. .

"God has chosen me and loves me, so today I am getting dressed, putting on a tender heart toward people. I will be kind, humble, and gentle, and show patience to others. If someone offends me, I will forgive them because Jesus, you have forgiven me many times. I will do my best to love others and live in peace in this crazy world. Finally, Lord, I will thank you for everything you do!

Maybe you can write a paraphrase that speaks to your heart and make it part of your daily routine.

Dressed for a new day,

Liz